Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

As a budget bundle from Interplay, “Mummy: Tomb of the Pharaoh / Frankenstein: Through the Eyes of the Monster” leans heavily on classic point-and-click mechanics that defined early ’90s adventure gaming. In “Mummy: Tomb of the Pharaoh,” players assume the role of an intrepid archaeologist navigating winding corridors, disarming traps, and piecing together ancient artifacts. Inventory management and environmental puzzles are the core of the experience, requiring methodical exploration and experimentation.

Switching to “Frankenstein: Through the Eyes of the Monster,” you control the creature itself, forging through the very laboratory that brought you to life. Here, the interface remains standard for the era—verb icons, object examination, and dialogue cues—but the twist lies in the monster’s limited understanding of human tools. Solving puzzles often involves discovering new interactions in dimly lit corridors, blending curiosity with a growing moral dilemma.

Both titles share a leisurely pace, rewarding patience over button-mashing reflexes. Save files are precious, as an ill-timed wrong move in the Pharaoh’s tomb or a misinterpreted command in the Frankenstein lab can mean starting from scratch. For players who relish the nuance of trial and error, this collection provides ample brain-teasing moments without flashy action set pieces.

However, modern audiences should prepare for an antiquated control scheme—verb lists can feel clunky, and pixel hunting is very much part of the challenge. While there are no hand-holding tutorials or hint systems, discovering a clever solution can deliver a genuine sense of accomplishment. Overall, the gameplay is modest but reliable, offering two distinct thematic adventures in one affordable package.

Graphics

Graphically, this budget release embraces its early VGA roots with 256-color static backdrops and pre-rendered scenes. “Mummy: Tomb of the Pharaoh” presents dusty corridors lined with hieroglyphics, sandy textures, and occasional trap-door animations. While the resolution and color palette feel dated by today’s standards, the art direction effectively conveys the oppressive heat and mystery of an underground Egyptian tomb.

“Frankenstein: Through the Eyes of the Monster” takes a darker, more atmospheric approach. Flickering candles cast long shadows across stone floors, beakers bubble with ominous chemicals, and rudimentary character sprites convey the restless intrigue of Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory. The limited animation can feel stiff, yet it punctuates key story moments—such as the creature’s first awakening—with dramatic flair.

Both games utilize static screen transitions rather than smooth scrolling, a hallmark of the genre and era. This design choice can feel jarring after decades of seamless camera work in modern titles, but it also allows each tableau to be appreciated as a handcrafted piece of digital art. Colors are sometimes muted, yet background details—cracked walls, scattered bones, or ancient murals—reveal a surprising level of care in set dressing.

For players who appreciate retro charm, these visuals offer a nostalgic window into adventure gaming’s formative years. Those expecting high-definition textures or fluid character models may struggle to adapt, but accepting the graphical limitations unlocks an appreciation for the artistry that still shines through pixel grids and VRAM constraints.

Story

In “Mummy: Tomb of the Pharaoh,” the narrative centers on an expedition gone awry. You unearth an ancient curse that threatens to entomb you alongside the long-dead pharaoh. The storyline unfolds through discovered journals, wall carvings, and sudden supernatural events, tying puzzle objectives directly to the mythos of Egyptian afterlife beliefs.

Contrastingly, “Frankenstein: Through the Eyes of the Monster” flips the script by letting you live as the titular creature. Rather than following Dr. Frankenstein, you experience the ethical ramifications of your own creation. The game’s plot delves into themes of identity, rejection, and the hunger for acceptance, all conveyed through limited dialogue choices and environmental storytelling.

While neither entry offers a blockbuster narrative, both succeed within their constrained budgets and technical frameworks. The Mummy adventure plays on timeless exploration tropes, with incremental reveals encouraging further descent into the crypt. Frankenstein’s tale is more introspective, challenging players to empathize with a being cast aside by its creator and the world at large.

Ultimately, the combined package provides two distinct narrative flavors: one steeped in action-adventure lore, the other in gothic tragedy. Fans of classic adventure stories will find enough plot hooks to sustain their curiosity, even if pacing and exposition adhere to older game design conventions.

Overall Experience

As a budget release, this Interplay collection offers remarkable value: two full-length adventures for the price of one. Though both titles exhibit design and technical shortcomings by modern standards, they retain a certain charm that only early ’90s point-and-click adventures can provide. If you approach them with nostalgia or a curiosity for gaming history, the payoff can be substantial.

Newcomers should be prepared for a learning curve—manual reading, pixel hunting, and methodical save-scumming are part of the package. Yet these mechanics also anchor the sense of immersion: you genuinely feel like an archaeologist deciphering hieroglyphs or a newly awakened monster exploring unfamiliar halls. That sense of discovery remains intact despite aging interfaces.

For budget-conscious gamers or adventure aficionados, this double feature makes an appealing entry point into retro gaming. Even if the puzzles occasionally resort to obscure logic, the bundle’s modest price point softens any frustration. Both stories offer enough atmosphere to keep you invested until the final credits roll.

In sum, “Mummy: Tomb of the Pharaoh / Frankenstein: Through the Eyes of the Monster” stands as a solid throwback for fans of classic PC adventures. It may not boast high-end production values, but it delivers diverse settings, engaging puzzles, and memorable atmospheres that continue to resonate decades after their original release.